Author note:

A quick hit to see how is our favorite couple is doing without each other so far. Please leave a review if you enjoyed.

CH 93-Checking In

The team was just back on base from another patrol. Things had been pretty boring for the past week. They had no new intelligence, and no targets. Their main task had been making themselves seen in local towns, backing up Afghani forces. According to the higher-ups, the war was winding down and the U.S. presence wouldn't be needed for much longer. Clay and the rest of the guys were itching for some action, not just knock and talk.

Even though he had been gone for a week, he hadn't gotten the chance to contact Emma. He had only been able to text her that they had arrived safely. It seemed that every time he was free, it would have been a time where she was in class, teaching, or in the middle of the night. He was debating contacting her tonight after he stowed his gear and took a shower. He grabbed his stuff and walked over to the building that housed the showers to get the day's grime rinsed off. He quickly cleaned up and got dressed so he could find some quiet time to call Emma. As he was unfolding the roll of socks he brought with him, a slip of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. This was the second of these messages he had found since the beginning of deployment. This one read:

~I miss the taste of your kisses~

He smiled to himself and shook his head. It was just like his girl to leave him surprises like this. He knew he had to get in touch with her now, no matter what the time. He tucked the paper with the other that he had put behind his ID and Credentials in his arm band. The first he found said:

~I'm so proud to be yours~

He quickly crossed the compound to get back to his bunk. Thankfully, it was empty, affording him the privacy he needed to really talk with Emma.

Every night, before she went to sleep, Emma plugged in her laptop and turned the call volume up just in case Clay or her dad might get a chance to call. It was early morning, and Emma didn't need to be up for class for at least another hour yet. Normally, being woken up before her alarm would annoy her, but when she heard a FaceTime call, she couldn't answer fast enough. Emma grabbed for the computer, hit accept, and pulled it onto her lap as she sat up against the headboard.

"Hey baby," Clay said softly as her image appeared on his screen. "I'm sorry I woke you honey."

"No. Don't be sorry. I'm so happy to see you. How are you? Everyone okay there?"

"We're all fine Em. Nothing much happening to be honest. We're all getting a little bored. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. Just getting into the swing of everything."

Clay couldn't get enough of just looking at her. Her hair was unruly, she was still blinking her eyes in an effort to focus, and her voice was heavy with slumber. How he wished he could take her in his arms and lay down in their bed and hold her!

"You said it's boring there," she continued.

"Yea. We're just walking around like the neighborhood watch."

She could hear the frustration in his voice at being essentially inactive.

"Well…I have to say that even if it annoys you and the guys, I'm fine with you all being bored, as long as that means no one is shooting at you."

He laughed at her comment.

"So, tell me more about what's going on there. How was the first week of class?"

"Just routine, mostly going through the syllabus for each class and hearing the professors' expectations and the grading scale. I do already have a ton of homework though."

"How was that night class? Did you take your pepper spray with you?"

"Yes, I had it with me. There were plenty of people around campus still."

"I know, but it will start getting darker soon too. I just want you to be careful."

"I am, honey," she answered, loving him for his concern. "I'm really excited about the class through. First year students don't usually get in. But, since my credits have me as a Sophomore, I was able to. It's really different than my other classes."

"In what way?"

"Our grade will be mostly based on class participation. There will be exams and papers, but he really wants it to be a large, open discussion where everyone takes part. We can have our own points of view; we just have to defend them."

"That does sound really interesting. Anything else happening? Have you talked to Naima at all?"

"Just a quick conversation."

"Babe, you need to talk to people. I don't want you to be all alone while I'm gone."

"I'm not. In fact, Mikayla invited me to go out with her and some other girls this weekend."

"That's great Em! I'm happy you have some new friends to hang out with."

"Me too. But…I still miss you."

"I miss you too Baby."

Their conversation lagged for a moment. He took in her surroundings, noticing that she had on one of his shirts and was on his side of the bed.

"Emmie, I love how you look in my shirt honey."

"It's comfortable," she shrugged. "But, mostly, it still smells like you. So does your pillow," she said trying to smile while tears were gathering in her eyes.

"I thought that part of the bed looked familiar," he joked.

"Well, I like sleeping over here when you're gone. Not to mention that my new bed partner is a little bit of a hog."

She shifted the computer on her lap and Clay could see Koda stretched out across her side of the bed and more. He shook his head and chuckled.

"He knows he's not supposed to be on the bed at all," he chided.

"Well, there are different rules when you're not home. Besides, he keeps me company," she responded as she reached over to ruffle the dog's fur.

"Okay, I guess. But I get my spot back when I'm home, deal?"

"Deal. So, babe, what are your plans for the rest of the evening? More patrols?"

"Nah, we're off until tomorrow. I think we're gonna hit up the little market right outside of base. There's some great food there."

"Is it safe?"

"As safe as anything else over here. They set up to cater to the U.S. military over here. They've never had an incident."

"And they have good food?"

"Oh yea. This one little stall is run by a buy called Bahramand and his daughter. They have the best kabobs and Gosh-e."

"What's that?"

"It's a fried dough kinda like Elephant ears."

"That does sound delicious. And he lets his daughter help? That's unusual for over there, isn't it?"

"Yea it is. But his wife and baby boy died in childbirth a few years ago. So, it's just the two of them. He's very progressive and wants her to get an education. He hopes to be able to come to the States eventually."

"Wow! That's amazing. How old is she?"

"Gabina, that's her name, is about eight, I think. She's really smart and already speaks some English. I said I could help her learn more when I'm around since I speak Pashto."

Emma's heart swelled with love at his generous nature.

"That's great honey. I wish I could help her too."

"Me too Em. You're a much better teacher than I'll ever be."

There was some commotion in the barracks and Emma recognized Sonny's voice.

"Em, I gotta go. They guys are headed out."

"Okay. I need to get up and get going too."

"I miss you so much Emmie."

"Me too. Tell Dad and the guys I said 'Hi'."

"I will. I'll call again when I can. By the way. I love the notes. How many are there?"

She smiled as she answered him.

"You'll just have to wait and see."

"Take care of yourself babe."

"I am. I love you Clay. Stay safe, please."

"I love you. Bye Em."

The screen went blank and Emma sighed deeply. She was elated to get to talk to him and to know he was safe. But her heart still ached knowing how long it would be until he was back with her. She still had some time before her alarm went off, but she knew she'd never get back to sleep now. She decided to take Koda on a longer walk before she had to be ready for class. She got up and pulled on some leggings, a hat and jacket and got his harness. He was up in a flash and waiting at the door the moment he heard her take his leash off the hook. She laughed at his enthusiasm and gave him hug before heading out the door.

Clay followed the guys to the market, but instead of getting in line to place his order, he sat down at one of the wooden tables alone. He pulled out his phone and was flipping through pictures of Emma. Gabina wondered over and tapped his shoulder.

"You sad Mr. Clay," she asked in broken English.

"Hi Gabina. I'm not sad really. I just miss someone."

He showed her a picture of a smiling Emma. Gabina smiled in return and switched back to Pashto.

"Your wife?"

Clay struggled to respond. He didn't even know if there was a translation for girlfriend.

"No, no yet. Someday…."

"I get food Mr. Clay," again in English.

She tripped off to her father to get Clay his favorite kabobs and Gosh-e. By the time she returned to deliver his meal, the rest of the team was back, and the conversation and jokes were flying. Again, Clay didn't really join in. Gabina saw this and wanted to cheer up the American that had been so nice to her.

"Mr. Clay you hear my song. I learn letters," and she began to sing the alphabet song.

By the time she reached the end, all the guys had stopped to listen. They all applauded her accomplishment. Clay's smile covered his face at her ability and enthusiasm for learning.

"I do good job Mr. Clay," she questioned.

"You did great Gabina! Just great."

The little girl beamed at his praise.

Clay dug into his food and as he ate, got an idea. He called Gabina over and held out his phone, queued up to the video of the Day Care program.

"How would you like to learn your colors in English," he asked, pressing play.

The little girl was enthralled and took the phone from his out-stretched hand. He watched as she was mesmerized by the music and the lively images. He couldn't wait to tell Emma that she was getting her wish to help. Her song hadn't just taught those preschoolers, but was helping to educate this poor, sweet girl half a world away.